How to Conquer the Bullet Journal First Page Fear

We’ve all been there. We learn about the bullet journal system, we buy the notebook but can’t bring ourselves to start. To this day, even with the surge of bullet journalists on Instagram and Pinterest, newbies still fear starting their bullet journal. I get it. It’s a valid feeling. I’ve seen it called the “first page fear” and more recently “new notebook paralysis”.

The bullet journal is really daunting the first time. You’re given a blank canvas with a framework in mind but are too overwhelmed by that “responsibility”. I felt the same way about the bullet journal. I spent a few months researching because I wanted to get it right. When Ryder’s information wasn’t enough, I looked for other bullet journalists who had the same concerns and see how they’ve addressed those concerns. When I finally knew enough, I bought my first notebook and started.

1. Find comfort in the fact that we all make mistakes

It was August 2016 when I decided to bite the bullet (pun intended) so September was the first month. I did the index right, then the monthly log, and then the dailies. Things were going great and I was even able to add some colors. I was so proud of myself for nearly perfecting the bullet journal then it happened – my first mistake.

I was so frustrated that I almost tore the page. In fact, I considered doing the entire September page over again. But I didn’t. In retrospect, making that mistake was a good thing. It made me realize that you’re allowed to make a mistake and you don’t have to get it right the first time.

• Read: The One Thing I Wish I Did Before I Started Bullet Journaling

Ryder does say that the framework is flexible and forgiving. Once I was able to accept that, I crossed out my mistake and moved on.

2. Start with a minimal design – the basics

You will hear this from a lot of seasoned bullet journalists. Yes, start with the basics. The basic layouts are very minimal and have less room for mistake.

3. Try the system in a regular notebook or your existing planner

I did this before I used a blank notebook and it really helped me. I had a pocket sized Moleskine daily planner that I had already been using so I started to rapid log and use the bullet signifiers. Trying the system in a planner is like learning how to ride a bike on training wheels. When you feel that you want more flexibility, that’s when you can start with a blank notebook.

• Read: Bujo Basics – Rapid Logging

4. Remember that mistakes can be erased or covered up

Your bullet journal doesn’t have to be perfect! If you can, you can always use some correction tape to cover it up or even use white gel pens.

• You can check this blog post on fixing bullet journal mistakes from Diary of a Journal Planner.

5. If you really don’t want to make a mistake, use a pencil or some erasable pens

I know some people who can’t stand erasures. My sister is one of those people. She prefers using the Pilot Frixion pens for bullet journaling because having a neat page motivates her more.

6. Plan your pages

If you’re planning on doing these elaborate spreads, plan ahead! You need to pencil it out first before inking your page. Trust me, I’ve been there. I was creating my March pages and I was not able to plan out the pages correctly. I ended up with a designs I didn’t like and recreated them (reason why I did this is that I’m not motivated to write on a design that irritates me).

7. Don’t compare and don’t compete!

You probably already know this – there are a lot of bullet journalists who share their work online. Some will inspire you and some will intimidate you. Always remember that bullet journaling is NOT an art contest, it’s a productivity tool first! And also, you don’t have to be creative to start a bullet journal.

• Read: You Don’t Have to be Creative to Start a Bullet Journal

8. Just get started and don’t give up.

Of course, if you’re too afraid to start, you wouldn’t know if the bullet journal will or won’t work for you. Yes, you will make mistakes but once you keep going, you will know the best way to create a planner that’s just for you.

If you need more resources, you can browse through the blog for more or better yet, head over to the official Bullet Journal site.